Coming in hot this 2023 under Lil Baby‘s 4PF music label, Chalynn Monee is certainly one to watch this year. Monee is first female artist to sign under Baby’s label in 2020. She is the epitome of building herself from the ground up. All while setting a precedent for other female artists wishing to make their mark within a lucrative industry.
With an emphasis on Y2K R&B energy, Monee is changing the R&B game with sultry tracks that are set to “put you in your bag,” but in a good way. Her latest single, ‘Luv Sum U’ drops Friday, January 13th and serves as a testament to her R&B plight. Whether it’s someone you can’t have, that long-distance lover, or an ex, “Luv Some U” sums up the real feelings associated with feelings that never leave.
With over 502K followers on Instagram, the Atlanta native is setting her mark within the industry in a big way. Having co-signed with SZA, Tay Keith, and Calboy, to name a few, Monee is definitely one to keep on our radars. Ahead, 21Ninety got the chance to speak to Chalynn about what it’s like to be the first female artist under 4PF, her new hit single, ‘Luv Sum U,’ and advice she would give her younger self.
Chalynn: Singing has always been one of my God-given talents. It’s something I grew up being inspired by. It was fun, it was cool. I actually use to get in trouble for getting up early morning singing along to youtube videos. I had a serious passion for it when i was younger. I use to do singing videos and post them online, but I never went full force with it. Other things happened for me at the time. I never stopped singing though. I sing every day. It wasn’t until I recorded for the first time “Summertime” & the people around me who encouraged me to take it seriously, I reconsidered it.
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21Ninety: As a female artist in a predominately male-owned space, what does it mean to you now that 4PF has taken you under their wing as their first lady of R&B? Walk us through how they brought you on the team.
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21Ninety: Tell us more about your new single, “Luv Sum U.” What was the inspiration behind it?
Chalynn: Luv Sum U is inspired by relationships. You know, we all go through good things and bad things in a relationship, some people just aren’t of social status so everything happens without eyes watching. It’s just about believing in your relationship, believing that love, respect, and that understanding that you and somebody else share can overcome anything
21Ninety: If there was any artist you’d have the opportunity to work with, who would it be and why?
Chalynn: I have a few honestly. If i had to choose a male I’d say Drake or Chris Brown. I love Chris Brown’s sound and is his preforming is untouchable. I really think Drake is like a genius. I think he can make anything into a song and the song ends up great. If i had to choose a female, I’d say Sza or Summer. I think Sza has a very unique sound & she’s raw I love that. Summer because not only do i love her music, but she very relatable & has some soul in her. Love that.
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21Ninety: Women artists are really starting to really monopolize the R&B industry by giving us hit albums and singles we can vibe to at any time. How does your work/ artistry stand out from the rest?
Chalynn: I think my artistry will stand out because my music represents more of “good love”. I feel like now everything is so toxic, “niggas ain’t shit” so on & so forth. Now don’t get me wrong, they don’t be lying, but I feel like back in the day there were more feel good love songs and I wanna bring some of that back.
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21Ninety: Oftentimes, it’s easy for artists to be pinned against each other within the music space. In your opinion, why is collaborating a pivotal aspect of furthering an artist’s career? Why is it important for Black women in particular to work together?
Chalynn: Collaborating is just another form of networking, and with networking comes more opportunities. Its important because you reach different fan bases. I’m very Pro-women all around, but i think it is important for black women to work together because i feel like we hold a lot of power. Power in our stories, power in the soul we have when singing, and we are more creative than most.
21Ninety: What is some advice you’d give to your younger self?
Chalynn: I’d tell myself do it. Go full force with any and everything because you have nothing to lose. When we were younger, you could try, fail and get back up like nothing ever happened. It’s more so now as I get older where I second guess myself, overthink, or doubt my ability. I would tell myself take advantage of be young and carefree.